Selecting a number 1 prospect is never an easy task, the practice has drawn controversy within school rugby circles with many enjoying the idea and others feeling like it draws too much pressure towards the young players.
This is why we now always check with the player and their families before making announcements, this years selection was especially tough with all the quality out there. When choosing a number 1 prospect one of the key criteria is not only talent, but character as well.
Caleb Abrahams personifies to us the true spirit of school rugby and what one can achieve even through the most trying of circumstances. His is a story of hard work, of family and of a young man that despite the enormous expectation thrust upon him wearing the legendary Grey College jersey has shown he has the mental maturity to withstand even the highest amount of scrutiny.
While others are on holiday relaxing by the beach Caleb allows himself no such privileges spending virtually every day in the gym, egged on by his father Elton who has been a bedrock of support for the talent Caleb hones his craft in the belief that his talent alone will not see him reach the very top of the game, his intention is to outwork all competitors and to give his all for the jersey he represents.
Some talents are developed, other are born and we believe he is a born talent. Having always represented higher grade age groups and still playing with distinction his talent on the rugby field was evident as soon as he was able to swing his first pass.
From the Under 13 Craven Week there were numerous offers from schools around the country, everyone wanted the next big talent to form part of their program but for Caleb there was only ever one school and that was his beloved Grey College.
Today is not only a celebration of Caleb’s talent, it is a celebration of a journey that started from humble beginnings and years of hard work, family and community support and as his father Elton puts it “Caleb is my champ”, so from us here at NextGenXV enjoy the moment and have a great season “champ”.
Previous number 1 prospects:
2020: Connor Evans (Bishops)
2021: Luca Ribbens (Paarl Boys)
